The King's Surrender

Gospel of Mark: Kingdom Invasion

Week #13: The King’s Surrender

VIDEO INTRODUCTION

ince there is a “not yet” aspect to the kingdom of God, this sets up the possibility that Jesus’ mission does not end in a world-wide, glorious triumph, at least not the way anyone would have anticipated. In fact, any observer of the events recorded in Mark 14 and 15 would have concluded that Jesus’ life and mission ended in tragic failure. As you read these two chapters, consider how Jesus surrenders himself to the reality of his impending death.

READ Mark 14 and 15

• What were the chief priests and teachers of the law plotting to do (Mark 14:1)?

• What meaning does Jesus give to the woman’s anointing his body with perfume (Mark 14:3-11, especially v. 8)?

• As Jesus celebrates a common Passover Meal with his disciples, what new meaning does he give to the bread and the wine (Mark 14:12-26)?

• From Jesus’ remarks about the anointing and about the Passover Meal, what is clearly on his mind?

• In addition to his impending death, what other pain does Jesus face in Mark 14:18, 27-30, 43-45, and 66-71?

• Do you think it was difficult for Jesus to surrender his will to the Father and give himself over to the cross (see Mark 14:32-41)? Explain.

• If Jesus knew there was a plot to kill him, why did he not flee? What clues do we find in this chapter (see Mark 14:24, 36, 49) that Jesus understood his death served a higher purpose?

• What ironies do we find in Mark 15? How do the following events point to a higher truth?

§         Jesus dies in the place of someone deserving death (Mark 15:6-15).

§         The soldiers mockingly pay homage to Jesus as the king of the Jews (Mark 15:16-20).

§         A man is forced to take up the cross and follow Jesus (Mark 15:21; see Mark 8:34).

§         “The written notice of the charge against him read: The King of the Jews” (Mark 15:26).

§         Those who insulted him on the cross shouted: “He saved others but he can’t save himself” (Mark 15:31).

§         In witnessing the events of the crucifixion, a Roman centurion (a non-Jew) says: “Surely this man was the Son of God” (Mark 15:39).

• From what you have read, what reflections do you have on Jesus’ surrender of obedience, an obedience that led to death on a cross?

TAKE AWAY

• How can Jesus’ suffering help you deal with your own suffering (see Hebrews 4:14-16)?

• According to Philippians 2:1-11, how is Jesus’ surrender to become obedient to death an example for us to follow?

• The king of the universe willingly surrenders himself to terrible suffering and a horrific death. Do you find yourself repulsed by this truth, or drawn to it?  Explain.

• In what ways are you impacted by Jesus’ willing surrender to such a costly sacrifice?

BLOGGING

The following questions will be posted on-line for comments:

• What stood out to you about Jesus’ surrender to death?

• Describe the physical, emotional, and/or spiritual turmoil Jesus must have felt during these events.

• What personal application did you get from this lesson?

• Do you have any other comments about this week’s passage and lesson?